“This is the first photograph I have of my daughter and I” a young woman said to me at a Seattle shelter, after a day of assisting in the annual event called Help-Portrait. Her daughter was a beautiful, angelic 4-year old. And this was the first time in 4 years she had a photograph taken with her.

Many of the women spoke proudly of immediately posting their photos on Facebook and sending to their family… the reach of photography spreading outward to others, the gift the many photographers had given to others that day by offering their time and skills.

Help-Portrait Seattle Editing Stations

HELP-PORTRAIT (http://help-portrait.com/about/our-mission/) is a global movement of photographers using their time, gear and expertise to give back to those in need, allowing them to feel beautiful and experience dignity and worth through the power of a photograph. The event was founded by photographer Jeremy Cowart.

The shelter we worked at provides transitional housing for women and women with children for up to one year. Many served there suffer from years of drug and alcohol abuse or physical abuse and are in need of long-term care. Out of respect to the clients at the shelter, I am unable to post any of their photos, but here are a few ‘behind the scene’ images of some of those who donated their time, including our wonderful Santa. Help-Portrait Seattle 2012, another successful year.

Photographer John Cornicello with Puppet

Photographers Nate and Ruth at Help-Portrait Seattle